Festive networking event raises thousands of pounds for children’s charity

Sussex businesses gathered for a Christmas networking evening in aid of Rockinghorse children’s charity.  

The Network Exposure Group hosted its festive fundraiser in the Mayo Wynne Baxter Lounge at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, on Tuesday 3 December. 

Sponsored by Together Money and Global, the event was organised by Network Exposure Group co-Directors Chris Mansfield and Becky Sharp, and attended by almost 200 people. The evening was compered by Jack the Lad from More Radio, with live music provided by Planet Trousza.  

From fundraising events held during the evening, over £4,000 was raised for Rockinghorse, who support sick and disadvantaged children in Sussex. 

One of the most popular prizes in the charity auction was donated by Sam Thomas, Managing Director of Sussex Business Times. On behalf of his food brand, Dasaki, he offered a meal for four people to be cooked in the winners’ home. The auction lot was so popular that it was given to two winning bidders.  

Guests also took part in a ‘12 Days of Christmas’ prize draw, with one lucky entrant winning a meal for two people at 12 dining hotspots, including; Etch, Mal Maison and Hotel du Vin.  

Chris Mansfield, director at Network Exposure Group, says, “It was our intention to create an event that incorporated networking, a Christmas party and fundraising all in one, which we achieved with aplomb!  

“There was a great atmosphere on the night created by a wonderful mix of people – the feedback we’ve received so far has been really positive. To have the event supported by Ryan Heal and the Rockinghorse team, helped to raise in excess of £4,000, which is fantastic.  

“Our thanks to everyone who supported and attended the event, we look forward to doing it all again next year!” 

The networking event was organised as part of the company’s pledge to support Rockinghorse’s 20/20 Corporate Challenge. Money raised will be used to support the Rockinghorse Activities Programme at Chalkhill Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit.  

Based in Haywards Heath, Chalkhill is the only hospital of its kind in Sussex, supporting young people who suffer from mental health illnesses. The charity’s activities programme was developed in 2015 and complements the clinical and educational work of the unit.  

Terrina Barnes, corporate fundraising manager at Rockinghorse, says, “We are so grateful to Chris and Becky from the Network Exposure Group for their incredible support. Thanks to them, we have been able to raise over £4,000 towards next year’s Rockinghorse Activities Programme at Chalkhill. 

“It’s place in the recovery of young people suffering with mental health conditions is so important and we’re very proud that the programme has received significant praise. Thanks to the wonderful support of businesses like the Network Exposure Group, we’re able to continue making that difference.” 

To find out more about Rockinghorse and the work they do to support young people in Sussex, visit www.rockinghorse.org.uk.